Ole Gunnar opens 26th Milk Cup
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Andrew Leyburn from County Armagh with Manchester United hero, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who opened the 26th Milk Cup tournament. WK31-186CR-Sp
THE 26th Milk Cup tournament is well underway with some top class football entertaining some of the biggest crowds the tournament has seen for years.
The event got off to a rousing start on Sunday when Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer delighted the many fans who lined the streets of Coleraine to greet the modest Old Trafford favourite and the players and officials from 54 teams. A spokesman for the Organising Committee commented: "We are absolutely delighted with the response from the general public. The turnout on Sunday for the Opening parade was just superb and it is safe to say the crowds were the biggest ever with the police estimating around 10,000 people from the Diamond to the Showgrounds.
“Having Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the guest of honour was just a delight, he is such a modest guy, a real gentleman. He didn't refuse anyone autographs and he was fantatsic with the players."
Unfortunately for newcomers Sevilla FC from Spain, an administrative error meant that they were ruled out of contention for the entire tournament. With a number of players overage all their matches will be noted as a 1-0 victory for the opposition.
“It has been a bit embarrassing for Seville FC," said the spokesman. "They have held their hands up and realised their mistake. It was only on Monday when the final squad list and passports were handed in that the error was discovered. However, they have been invited back for next year and they have accepted."
Unfortunately for the tournament organisers there was a slightly sour note on Monday evening when some players based at University accommodation were subjected to abuse.
“There was an incident," confirmed the spokesman. "However, it has been dealt with. A local, who was believed to be under the influence gave abuse to some of the players from Crumlin. He then left and came back with some mates. The police were called and the situation was resolved. however, both Crumlin and Cherry Orchard have asked to be moved from their current accommodation and that has been dealt with.
“It is such a pity that a mindless few can spoil things. When you look at how many teams from across the globe there are here and the good relations built up, it only takes some small minded people to generate bad publicity."
